Posted by Civilian Elijah Mercer (Professor / Scientific Advisor) in Elijah’s OED Odyssey: An OED Welcome [Open]

Posted by Civilian Jason Reilly (Assistant Director - Colonial Intelligence Agency) in Elijah’s OED Odyssey: An OED Welcome [Open]

Posted by Civilian Elijah Mercer (Professor / Scientific Advisor) in Elijah’s OED Odyssey: An OED Welcome [Open]
Posted by… suppressed (14) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The pneumatic doors of Elijah Loughty’s newly assigned apartment inside the Sky Habour Tower swished open with the all too familiar sound, beyond them and over the threshold revealed a space that would serve as his home in the vast complex that was OED. He was fortunate to have received such a location given the limited space but having served at the academy and as a professor allowed him to sway some influence, what good was it being a retired Starfleet officer if you couldn’t at least sue your reputation? That and some favours he now owed some admirals and academy instructors. As he stepped inside, a hushed sigh escaped him, a blend of fatigue and excitement. The walls were adorned with muted hues and metallic grey. Elijah took a moment to absorb the ambience, the hum of the life support systems, and the soft glow of ambient lighting creating a welcoming atmosphere. The apartment was surprisingly spacious and exuded a sense of comfort.

With a quick sweep of his gaze, Elijah took in the minimalist yet tasteful furnishings. A small living area embraced the essence of simplicity, while the kitchenette held the promise of future meals to be prepared, a hobby he hoped to indulge in during quieter moments. The bedroom, though modest, carried the promise of restful nights. He would have to take a trip to the commercial District and begin to add his personal touch to the apartment.

Setting his duffel bag down, Elijah moved towards the large viewport that dominated one wall. Beyond the transparent alloy, the unfamiliar landscape of OED unfolded—a tapestry of twinkling stars against the colony’s skyline. It was a view that reminded him of the boundless potential encapsulated within the colony’s mission. As he stood there, a mix of emotions coursed through him—the weariness of the journey, the thrill of embarking on a new chapter, and the eagerness to unravel the mysteries OED held. Elijah, with a sense of gratitude and anticipation, murmured to himself, “Home, at least for now.”

Little did he know, within the confines of this modest apartment, Elijah Loughty’s journey on OED was destined to intertwine with the pulse of scientific discovery, forging connections, and weaving tales of exploration yet to unfold. Perhaps some of those journies and forging connections were going to be sooner rather than later as his door chimed. He moved to the door and opened it.

Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

A human male stood at the door. He was only slightly shorter than Mercer, but had similar build. Well styled brown hair sat above piercing green eyes. His face had a warm and friendly smile, and he seemed at ease meeting the new tenant for the first time. He was also wearing a very nice suit and carrying a bottle in his hand. The other hand extended forward and he said “Hi! My name is Jason Reilly. I live a few floors up, but I heard that there was someone moving on so I thought I would stop by and welcome you to the building.”

Reilly

Elijah met Jason’s extended hand with his own, presenting him with a firm yet polite handshake that mirrored the warmth of the welcome he received. Such personal greetings, outside the realm of official norms and standard procedures, pleasantly surprised him. “Elijah Mercer,” he introduced himself with a smile. “It’s refreshing to meet a neighbour who not only extends a warm welcome but also has a keen sense of style. Is this your usual approach with new citizens?” he inquired, genuinely curious about the informal gesture. His eyes then drifted to the bottle in Jason’s hand, a subtle indicator of friendliness.

“Hundreds of new residents arrive every day, but few move into the building. I’m sure as the newness of the tower becomes more appealing, we will be looking a plethora of new neighbors.” Jaosn said with a smile.

Observing the friendliness, Elijah suggested, “Would you care to come in? While I can’t promise extravagant home comforts just yet, a few words and a friendly conversation might just suffice.” The invitation carried a genuine warmth, reflecting Elijah’s appreciation for the unexpected but delightful encounter.

Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“I have a moment before my fiancée gets home, so why not?” Jason handed the bottle to Mercer and followed him inside.

Once inside, Reilly took in the space in a few heartbeats and, seeing nothing that peaked his curiosity (professional or otherwise), he turned his attention fully to the resident of the apartment. “So tell me, Mr. Mercer, what brings you to Oed? Bonus points if it a reason I haven’t heard before.” he added with a soft chuckle.

Reilly

Elijah opted to leave his door open and he moved to the replicator with the bottle in hand, even during his time at the academy he enjoyed the freedoms leaving a door ajar gave to people passing by, “After mastering quantum physics and unravelling the mysteries of subspace anomalies, I thought, ‘What’s the next logical step? Gardening, of course.’” He chuckled, having used the same excuse with the reporter Najma he had the pleasantries of enjoying the shuttle ride to OED with.

“Computer two Tumblers” He turned to his company, “Sorry I assumed you may want to enjoy this with me, at least until your fiance returns home?” Oliver placed the glasses on the table and looked at the bottle. Lunar Merlot, a nice cherry red from Earth’s Moon. Nice. “Did I assume correct?” He asked corking the bottle.

Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed VG

“Necer was one to turn down the offer of a glass.” Reilly said with a smile. He eyed Mercer carefully for a moment, openly appraising him. “You were Star Fleet, weren’t you?” he asked and chuckled. “You all have a… a ‘demenor’ about you, is all.”

Reilly

Eli poured to equal measures of the drink, half full so enough to enjoy the taste but not so much they’d find themselves four bottles deep by the end of the night. “Is it that obvious? Perhaps I need to grow a beard or something to put of the scent. I spent a few years at Starfleet but I was ready to hang up the uniform and focus on my scientific research here on OED.” He chuckled raising his glass, “Cheers” He sipped.

Eli seizing his turn to guess what his company did. “You’re rather observant, perhaps local law enforcement? security maybe even Intelligence?” He suggested with an inquisitive look. “Given that you referred to starfleet as an outside organisation is all”

Civilian Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Reilly laughed easily. “Oh gods no. I was never one to take to authority that well. No, I am the Senior Vice President at Venice, Justin, and Kevin Consulting. It is a consulting agency that specializes in organizational structures of corporations, government agencies, and supply chain management and logistics.” and he laughed. “Its way more glamorous than it sounds, I swear.”

Reilly

“I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing such a job, so I’ll take your word for it. If retirement doesn’t pan out, perhaps I’ll explore supply chain management and logistics. They play a crucial role in sustaining our great alliance. Without them, we wouldn’t have the resources needed for our primary mission of seeking out new life and civilizations—or, more importantly, acquiring such delightful beverages,” he chuckled, lifting his glass for another sip.

“You mentioned being fortunate to have found your soul mate. Is your fiancé also involved in the business?” he asked, genuine curiosity reflecting in his eyes.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Jason sipped and smiled. “No, she is not. She is a Medical Officer in Star Fleet. Specializes in prosthetics. She is actually fairly well-known in medical circles for her expertise.” His voice carried a sincere and unmistakable sense of pride in the woman he spoke of, as well as great deal of affection. “What about you? Is there a spouse or partner coming along that you will need to prepare for? I am happy to bring another bottle if it is needed.” and he laughed.

Reilly

“Oh no, just me,” Eli replied rather hastily. “My dedication to Starfleet and scientific pursuits occupied most of my time. I won’t deny sharing thoughts with one or two individuals, but, no, with four million souls on OED, there might be someone for me. However, only time will tell. Until then, I’ll have to relish my own company and my work,” he explained, leaving out the part that building a family was truly his last great ambition.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“Four million and growing everyday.” Reilly said. “And it would not surprise me in the least if you wind up finding someone to share this very nice apartment with. I met my fiancé on the street not six blocks away from here.” and he laughed. “Our first date was her and I looking at what is now our home together.” and he laughed again.

Reilly

Eli appeared to find comfort in the prospect of settling down and starting a family. “Well, I’m sure time will tell!” he chuckled, his demeanor reflecting a sense of contentment. “I’ll have to meet your fiancée when the time is right. Of course, I have some friends in Starfleet Medical, and it sounds like she is making a real difference here. It’s reassuring to know that some Starfleet personnel are upholding our most basic principles,” he smiled, dismissing his previous comment with a sip. “I am truly grateful for you coming around and introducing yourself. I’ll have to return the favour once I’ve settled and become more organised .”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Reilly drained the contents of his glass and stood up. “Indeed you will. For now, though, how about I invite you to dinner? I don’t cook, but i know a lot of the good places to eat here in Arcadia. I’m sure my fiancé would like to meet you as well. Say… night after tomorrow? We can meet you in the lobby and take a slider. The building has a transport service, if you didn’t already know.”

Reilly

“I didn’t, but yes, that would be most delightful. Your hospitality is refreshing,” Eli responded with a sincere and heartfelt gratitude underlying his words. He hadn’t expected to meet someone as forward as Jason, but he was genuinely glad that he had. It always made moving and settling in better when surrounded by good company. “And you’re sure your fiancée won’t mind?” he added, expressing consideration for potential arrangements.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Jason shook his head. “I’m sure it will be fine. We’ve been spending quite a lot of time at home, so I think getting out and meeting new people will appeal to her. Oh, Hannah- that’s her name- is deaf. She has implants that let her hear and she reads lips, but she also talks in sign language. Just so you are aware.” He held his hand out to Elijah and said “Looking forward to it. Till night after tomorrow.”

Reilly

Eli met Jason’s hand with his own and gave it a firm but friendly shake “Till tomorrow night, I’ll bring the bottle this time” He added with a smile.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Reilly smiled and said “See you in the lobby at seven, then.” He let go of Mercer’s hamd and walked to the door. “And again… welcome to the building!” he said over his shoulder as he turned towards the lifts and disappeared out of sight.

Reilly